by now it's no secret i've been working on samples and therefore cannot share any delicious details. as of today the number has risen to 7 since july. SEVEN!! that's a lot of pattern drafting and a load of frantic knitting because when i have 3 different samples in my basket, my brain begins to sizzle and short. so, though this is literally a dream come true my body is creaking and pinging and sore. i often slather max-freeze on my hands and wrists to get through the day's work. last night i decided to have a go at portuguese knitting because it's supposed to be easier on the hands and i didn't know how i was going to make it with another box of yarn support arriving on my doorstep today.

i found this video and thought it was worth a try. i had good results - however, with deadlines looming over me i don't really have the luxury of mastering a new technique. i started knitting with a mix of styles - my usual technique (flicking) and alternating it with portuguese for long sections of purling. though it was slightly slower than just purling as i'm accustomed, it was indeed easier on the hands. the tension is held around the neck and right hand releasing hands from their usual tension-holding bonds. after i had gotten into the swing i asked hubs if i looked like a crazy person and he sort of gave me a sideways glance without a word. mae chimed in on queue, "YEP!" and they both giggled. so, i may not be using this style for knitting in public until i get a pin so that i can knit without my yarn being wrapped around my neck, but for now i'm perfectly content knitting in the living room looking like a crazy cat knitter all wrapped up in string.